11 Comments so far ...

1. Jim L.

I just wanted to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed you providing these letter re: Manley online. They were fascinating and truly depicted what an ordeal the common soldier had to go through during the American Civil War. Thanks and kudos for enabling folks like myself to partake in such a fantastic endeavor. Jim L.

These letters are thrilling to read. They personalize the Civil War and make it come alive in warm, unique ways. Hats off to you, Marty, on your fine work. Very impressive. I kept thinking as I read how here’s a young man from 148 years ago and we’re all “getting to know him.” You rescued him from history. Like I said, it’s thrilling–a true labor of love.

Hello, Marty.
Thank you for these letters. It seems that your soldier knew or at least worked with my hubby’s great-great grandfather.

@ Martin Husk – if you are still reading this thread … your book mentions Adrian Contant writing a letter about his tent mate dying at Andersonville. Where did you find that information? His is my hubby’s relation.

Just stumbled upon this fascinating site and would like to thank you for what I am sure must have been a monumental task. This really brings insight into the daily life of a Union civil war soldier. Having a son the same age, I can’t help but feel the loss of his parents albeit 150 years later.

I stumbled upon this website while looking for letters written by members of the 111th NY. I am the author of a book titled: A Surgeons Tale: The Civil War Letters of James D Benton. Do you know if a James Benton is mentioned in any of the letters? Thank You

Manley Stacey

born October 29, 1842

died December 26, 1863

Written during the battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863

"When we camped last, we could see the wounded coming in, those that were able to walk, and the cavalry horses coming in riderless. This showed us that something was going on...I think this will be an awful battle very soon and of course we are in for it...It is a sad sight to see the wounded brought in on stretchers, the poor boys all covered with blood & as pale as death.

"Last night at 4 PM we were ordered to march and form in Line of battle on our left. After a great deal of confusion, we got formed and then we were ordered to advance, right in the face of the rebel guns who were firing their grape and canisters into us by wholesale...After a great deal of marching and counter marching, we were ordered to charge on a rebel battery. We were now right in front of our canons, advancing on their guns, the rebel sharpshooters in our rear picking off our officers. This was an awful time the shells taking the men down by ranks. While we were marching, a man was shot, and the Blood was spilling all over my face, it perfectly Blinded me.

"At 1 PM we were shelled by 100 guns, all concentrated on the force supporting the battery. There we laid behind a stone wall, the shells passing over us and killing the men all around me. Three men were killed and thrown across me, covering me with blood. While we were laying here, a shell struck a stone in the wall and killed a man throwing the man across my legs and the stone striking me in the back & doubling me up.

"We have got about 18 men now in the Company fit for duty and 150 in the Regiment. We went in the fight with over 400, and have yet now 150."